Dudley Benson: The Orders, Medals and Decorations EP (GRR)

Graham Reid | Nov 26, 2006 | <1 min read

Trained as a chorister, Benson was awarded a choral scholarship and became head soloist at the Christchurch Cathedral Choir, then when he went to university he majored in composition.
Hardly the standard route for most indie-pop artists.
Among the six tracks here are two orchestral pieces, a remix of his terrific single It's Akaroa's Fault, and a remix of the earlier I Don't Mind.
Benson makes charming and delicate music which rewards repeat listening. He's probably never going to be a household name and his EPs are very limited edition affairs. But having seen him live -- where he sang with keyboards and loop tapes -- I was utterly seduced.
Benson is very different -- and in a very, very good way. So far he has done just this EP and the earlier but equally wonderful Steam Railways of Britain EP.
There is a debut album, The Awakening, due in November about which I am genuinely excited. Benson is a unique talent
And in one of those "I told you so" moments, Benson's concert at St Matthews-in-the-City in Auckland on Saturday May 26 (with a choir and a string quartet) was fascinating, had the capacity crowd on its feet at the end, and was among the best gigs I've see this year.
Elsewhere did alerted you.

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